LUCK deserted Padiham once again on Saturday when they went out of the North West Counties Division Two Trophy to Ashton Athletic.

Dominating the first half, the Storks took a fifth minute lead after Neil Almond found Stuart Telfer and he scored from eight yards out.

Telfer had another effort saved by Ashton keeper Andy Paxton on 20 minutes and further pressure saw Ben Walker and David Holt miss a number of opportunities to double Padiham's lead.

In the second half, the visitors snatched the momentum and equalised on 57 minutes through Paul McVeigh.

Mark Ashurst scored what proved to be the winner on 67 minutes when his shot from the edge of the box sailed over keeper Gavin King.